Wellington, New Zealand – Concerns are mounting over alleged attempts by the anti-Māori group, Hobson’s Pledge, to infiltrate InternetNZ, the organization responsible for managing New Zealand’s .nz internet domain. Rumors suggest the group is actively encouraging its members to join InternetNZ, aiming for a hostile takeover of the Board of Directors to ultimately remove Māori-focused domain names, .iwi.nz and .maori.nz.
InternetNZ plays a crucial role in representing New Zealand on the global internet stage. Its responsibilities include policy development, grant allocation to individuals and organizations, research initiatives, and hosting events that support the growth of New Zealand’s internet infrastructure. The organization’s governance rests with the InternetNZ Council, comprising nine member-elected individuals and two appointed members.
A successful takeover by Hobson’s Pledge would grant the group unprecedented control over the internet landscape in Aotearoa New Zealand, raising significant alarm among those concerned about the potential for online discrimination and the erosion of Māori digital sovereignty. The alleged actions of Hobson’s Pledge have sparked widespread condemnation and calls for increased transparency and accountability within InternetNZ. Investigations are underway to determine the extent of Hobson’s Pledge’s influence within the organization and to prevent any potential harm to Māori online presence. The situation remains highly volatile, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
